Submissions open for David and Julie Tobey Fellowship

The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship at Villa I Tatti supports scholars researching drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts of the Italian Renaissance. Fellows receive US$5,200 per month for four or six months, plus up to US$1,800 for relocation, along with residential support and access to research resources in Florence.

About the David and Julie Tobey Fellowship

The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship at Villa I Tatti supports advanced scholarly research on works produced on paper or parchment during the Italian Renaissance.

The fellowship places particular emphasis on:

• Drawings
• Prints
• Illustrated manuscripts
• The role of works on paper in the creative process
• The history of taste and collecting
• Connoisseurship
• Related aspects of Italian Renaissance art and visual culture

Applicants may propose a range of research topics, provided that the project contains a substantive research component focused on drawings, prints, or illustrated manuscripts.

Fellowship at Villa I Tatti

The fellowship is residential and provides scholars with the opportunity to conduct research in the intellectual and academic environment of Villa I Tatti in Florence.

Fellows can benefit from:

• Access to the Biblioteca Berenson
• Research resources and facilities
• Conferences and scholarly discussions
• Lectures
• Concerts
• Interaction with other researchers and appointees
• Library access seven days a week
• Weekday lunches with other fellows and appointees

Fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and spend at least three days per week at the center.

Funding and Housing Support

The fellowship provides substantial financial and residential support.

Monthly Fellowship Grant

Selected fellows receive:

• US$5,200 per month
• Fellowship duration of either 4 months or 6 months

Relocation Support

Fellows may also receive:

• Up to US$1,800 as a one-time relocation supplement.

Housing

Housing support is available through either:

• A rent-free apartment, with utilities not included; or
• A housing subsidy if an apartment is unavailable.

The residential arrangement is intended to allow fellows to focus on their research while participating fully in the I Tatti academic community.

Research Areas Supported

The fellowship is specifically intended for research involving Italian Renaissance works on paper or parchment.

Relevant research may explore:

• Renaissance drawings and drawing practices.
• The development and history of printmaking.
• Illustrated manuscripts.
• Artistic creative processes.
• The relationship between drawings and finished artworks.
• Collecting and the history of taste.
• Connoisseurship.
• The interpretation and attribution of Renaissance works.
• The cultural and intellectual history surrounding works on paper.

A proposal does not necessarily have to cover all these subjects. However, it must contain a substantial component of research relevant to the fellowship’s focus.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the fellowship’s academic and professional requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

• Hold a PhD at the time of application.
• Be conducting research relevant to the fellowship’s subject area.
• Be conversant in English.
• Be familiar with Italian.
• Be able to conduct most of their proposed research in Florence.
• Be available to participate in the residential fellowship.
• Be able to focus exclusively on the proposed research project during the fellowship.

Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars.

Special consideration is also given to researchers who do not have regular access to relevant research materials and facilities in Italy.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants should carefully consider the fellowship restrictions before applying.

The following conditions apply:

• Applicants may not be working toward a second PhD.
• Fellows must focus solely on the proposed research project.
• Fellows cannot hold another fellowship during the fellowship period.
• Fellows cannot hold teaching positions during the fellowship period.
• Applicants may apply for only one type of fellowship at I Tatti per academic year.

Residency Requirements

The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship is a residential research fellowship.

Successful applicants are expected to:

• Reside in the Florence area.
• Spend at least three days each week at Villa I Tatti.
• Participate in the intellectual life of the center.
• Dedicate their fellowship period to the proposed research.

The residential requirement is important because the fellowship is designed not only to provide financial support but also to integrate scholars into the research community at I Tatti.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare their materials carefully and ensure that all required components are submitted electronically.

The application includes:

• A research proposal.
• Academic and professional information.
• A current CV.
• Details of the proposed research.
• Two letters of recommendation.

The recommendation letters must be submitted online separately by the required recommendation deadline.

How to Apply

Applicants can follow these steps when preparing their application:

1. Develop a Relevant Research Project

Prepare a focused research proposal dealing substantially with Italian Renaissance drawings, prints, or illustrated manuscripts.

Clearly explain the research question, methodology, sources, and expected contribution to scholarship.

2. Demonstrate the Need for Research in Florence

Explain why Villa I Tatti and its resources are particularly valuable for the proposed project.

Applicants should show how access to research materials, collections, libraries, or scholarly networks in Florence will advance their work.

3. Prepare Your CV

Provide an up-to-date academic CV demonstrating:

• PhD qualification.
• Research experience.
• Relevant publications.
• Previous scholarly work.
• Expertise related to the proposed project.

4. Arrange Recommendation Letters

Two letters of recommendation are required.

Applicants should contact referees early enough to ensure that both letters are submitted electronically before the recommendation deadline.

5. Submit the Application Electronically

The completed application must be submitted electronically before the stated deadline.

Applicants should check that all required information and supporting documents have been included before submission.

Important Application Deadlines

The key deadlines are:

• Application deadline: November 16, 2026, by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time.
• Recommendation letter deadline: November 21, 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to arrange recommendation letters or upload supporting materials.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship offers more than financial assistance. It provides scholars with an opportunity to conduct intensive research within a major international center for the study of the Italian Renaissance.

The fellowship can be particularly valuable for researchers whose work depends on:

• Italian Renaissance collections.
• Works on paper and parchment.
• Italian libraries and archives.
• Renaissance drawings and prints.
• Manuscript research.
• Art historical networks in Florence.
• Direct engagement with Italian research resources.

The combination of a monthly grant, housing support, relocation assistance, and access to I Tatti’s scholarly community creates an environment designed for concentrated research.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly defining the research question.
• Demonstrating substantial relevance to drawings, prints, or illustrated manuscripts.
• Explaining the project’s scholarly significance.
• Showing why Florence is essential to the research.
• Identifying relevant collections or research resources.
• Demonstrating familiarity with Italian sources where appropriate.
• Keeping the proposal focused and achievable within four or six months.
• Selecting strong academic referees who can speak directly to the applicant’s research abilities.
• Checking all eligibility restrictions before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting a project with only a minor connection to works on paper or parchment.
• Failing to explain why research in Florence is necessary.
• Applying while working toward a second PhD.
• Planning to hold another fellowship simultaneously.
• Planning teaching work during the fellowship period.
• Submitting recommendation letters after the deadline.
• Applying for more than one I Tatti fellowship type in the same academic year.
• Proposing a project that cannot reasonably be completed during the fellowship period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the David and Julie Tobey Fellowship?

It is a residential research fellowship at Villa I Tatti in Florence supporting scholarly research on drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts from the Italian Renaissance.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Fellows receive US$5,200 per month for either four or six months, plus a one-time relocation supplement of up to US$1,800.

Is housing provided?

Yes. Fellows may receive a rent-free apartment, excluding utilities, or a housing subsidy if an apartment is unavailable.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Applicants must hold a PhD at the time of application, be conversant in English and familiar with Italian, and be able to conduct most of their research in Florence. Priority is given to early- and mid-career scholars.

Can someone pursuing a second PhD apply?

No. Applicants may not be working on a second PhD.

Can fellows hold another fellowship or teaching position?

No. Fellows must focus solely on their proposed project and cannot hold another fellowship or teaching position during the fellowship period.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted electronically by midnight Cambridge, Massachusetts time on November 16, 2026. Two recommendation letters must be submitted online by November 21, 2026.

Conclusion

The David and Julie Tobey Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for PhD-level scholars whose research focuses substantially on Italian Renaissance drawings, prints, and illustrated manuscripts. With US$5,200 per month, relocation assistance, housing support, and access to Villa I Tatti’s research community and resources in Florence, the fellowship provides strong support for intensive scholarly research. Eligible researchers should prepare a focused proposal, demonstrate the importance of Florence to their work, arrange two strong recommendations, and submit their application by November 16, 2026.